Isaac Cohen, who dated Spears for a month earlier this year, admits he was surprised to hear of the extent of her problems, because she didn’t seem that out of control when they were together.

“I was definitely surprised that she went into rehab. I didn’t feel it had to come to that, but you know, if that’s what it takes and if that’s what she needs,” he says. “It’s the best thing for her, her children – for everyone around her, actually. She’s a strong girl and I really feel that she’ll be okay.”